The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-17
IMPERIAL NUPTIALs.
How the Wife of tho Chinese Emperor has
been Chosen.

Ban Francisco Chronicle.
The Chinese residents of this city were some
what anxiousiy awaiting the arrival of news re-
lating to the approaching nuptials OF his 1mpe-
rial Majesty Kwong Suey. "Son of Heaven" and
received in this city yesterday announced that
bride had been selected for the young emperor.
and that S., 900, 600 would be expended in the
celebration of the most auspicious event.
AS it becomes known when the i'm
perial affair will take place the Emperors
wealthy and loyal citizens of this city will pre-
The day will be made holiday, the dragon flag
will be loated, feasting made the order of bust
ness, and perhaps procession and other exer-
marriage remains with the fates, which the as
troogers of tho empire must divine.
The first ceremony Of betrothal has now been
observed This is tho choice of the bride. A
Chinese Empress is not chosen for nobility OF
family or reputation, although generally she is
taken from the mobility" Her personal beauty
is the almost exclusive requirement. The mother
OF Hen FunR, former Empress kept fruit
stall. The Emperor himself has nothing what
ever to do with the selection OF the empress.
able woman and who has reiened as Regent
some time since issued an edict through the
Pekin Gazette that tho Emperor should marry
and set a date when a reception should be held t.
candidates for the high honor On the appoint
ed day the Monaghan papas and mammas took
their fairest daughters to the Empresss palace.
The Empress, with her ladies. then choose the
handsomest virgin. She should be Empress.
But the Emperor is also legally entitled to eight
queens. Consequently eight other handsome
virgins were chosen to fill these high offices.
The personality OF these selections has not
reached this city, but the next mail is expected
to furnish tho particulars 1t is now the duty OF
the imperial board Of astrologers to
suit the stars and determine the lucky das
when, if the marriage takes place, all will be
well. If it does not 60 we'll all will go wrong
with the astrologers. They are consequently
very careful. and consult the stars and various
deities favorable to matrimony The date Of
the marriage being discovered. other ceremoniea
ensue, such as the presentation of 100 cakes to
the Empress-elect If the Emperor should die
before the wedding takes place. it would bs
quite the proper thing for tho fance
60 commit suicide. AT any rate, she
must 60 and live &C the palace and remain q
virgin. When she IL sixty-one years OF age she
will be rewarded by the reverence Of her rela-
tives. The Emperor Kwong Suey, from all
counts. is very cornmeudable young man, and
has consiGe rable influence with Confucius and
the other gods. On May A. for instance, he
prayed for rain. the China papers relate. On
May ID IL tAined. All China fell down on its
knees to express thanks for the benefcent hear
ing OF Kwoug Suey's petition.
Suey was born in 1871 and was crowned ut the
age of four. He is the of the seventh
brother Of the Emperor preceding the last Il is
expected that after his marriage the Empress
dowager will hand over the reins or government
entirely TO Sucy.